King
David and his men had crossed the Jordan and came to Mahanaim and there he
found solid support. Three persons were particularly named to bring provisions
for him. They were Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. Shobi was an Ammonite, the son
of Nahash, the king who gave shelter to David’s parents and family while he was
on the run from King Saul. Machir was the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar. He was
the one who took care of Mephibosheth before David handed him to Ziba. He
obviously was a supporter of David and now came to show kindness to the
fugitive king. Then there was Barzillai, a wealthy Gileadite from Rogelim.
These three considerate people strongly supported David. They showed compassion
for David and his men, and brought provision for David and his escaping men.
Verses 28-29 said that they “brought beds,
basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched
seeds, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the
people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry
and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
Meanwhile
Absalom who took the counsel of Hushai led his men in pursuit of his father.
They had crossed the Jordan hot on David’s heel. Absalom was determined to
apprehend David and finish him. He set Amasa, the illegitimate cousin of Joab,
as the general and commander-in-chief of his army.
Of
these six verses, one lesson stands out. It was the hospitality shown to David
and his men by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. They came spontaneously to give to
David and his fleeing men, who were probably tired and hungry. The actions of
the three were admirable for they came to help though it was unsolicited by
David. Such a benevolent attitude could only arise from a deep
appreciation for what is right and proper, and a sense of gratitude and
loyalty. Believers with such an attitude are also much needed in the
advancement of God’s work today. We need people who can identify needs in the
work of God and spontaneously give their best resources to serve the King of
kings. Let us be spontaneous in offering ourselves and service for the
advancement of the cause of God. It a debt of gratitude that we owe to Jesus
our King, who so willingly gave Himself for us.
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